Because of the trend toward more jobs and shorter runs, mid-size
and large printing companies are finding it increasingly difficult
to supply their presses, which run for two or three shifts a day,
with the required printing plates.
This calls for prepress solutions that raise throughput and
reliably deliver first-rate quality. At drupa 2000, Heidelberger
Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) will be unveiling its powerful
Topsetter Computer-to-Plate (CTP) family of platesetters. The
semiautomatic and fully automatic models of this line enable
printers to produce dependably while fully utilizing their press
capacities.
Topsetter 74 Compact Productivity
Ideally designed to meet the needs of four-page
printing, the Topsetter 74 gives commercial printers the key
benefits of CTP: faster and more controllable production, combined
with reduced material and personnel costs.
The Topsetter 74 is designed for 50 x 70 centimeter (28-inch)
format work. It incorporates full-fledged external drum imaging
which, in conjunction with a 32-channel laser diode system, allows
the Topsetters to run at extremely high speeds. The compact,
semiautomatic standard model is highly productive, able to image 17
plates an hour (at 2400 dpi). For printers who need even more than
this, this CTP recorder can be fitting with an optional autoloader
to run fully automatically. With the autoloader option, a run of
100 plates can be made without operator intervention. The system
automatically removes the protective sheets when the plates are
drawn in, and uses vacuum to hold them firmly in place, thus
eliminating the risk of scratching. A perfectly harmonized online
processor and various register punches (for Heidelberg and
customer-specific plate formats) are optionally available for both
the semiautomatic and fully automatic versions to additionally
enhance both user-friendliness and productivity.
The size of the plates can be flexibly chosen to match
different press formats. The Topsetter 74 images plates from 467 x
394 millimeters and 324 x 492 millimeters to 830 x 645 mm in size,
in four resolutions ranging from 1200 dpi to 4000 dpi. This CTP
recorder is based on proven thermal imaging technology, which is
distinguished by precisely formed halftone dots and long plate
life.
Topsetter 102 The Fully Automatic Machine for Top-Quality
Results
The Topsetter 102 is perfect for high-volume companies
looking for a highly productive external drum recorder for
eight-page printing. The fully automatic model with multiple
cassette loading system processes 500 plates automatically each one
as good as the next. An alternative to the single-cassette option
for automatic loading and unloading of 100 plates is to equip the
standard model with an autoloader for five 100-plate cassettes.
Like its little brother, this Topsetter 102 version automatically
removes the protective sheets between the plates. An online
developer and integrated register punch for both the fully
automatic and semiautomatic models are naturally also available for
Heidelberg and various customer-specific formats.
The Topsetter 102 is designed for 70 x 100 centimeter presses
working in eight-page mode. Plates can be imaged in different
formats ranging from 650 x 550 millimeters to 1160 x 940
millimeters, and be selected for a wide assortment of press
formats. The thermal technology of the Topsetter 102, which offers
six resolutions from 1200 dpi to 4000 dpi, provides a level of
quality that will satisfy even the most demanding customers.
The new four- and eight-page models of the Topsetter family
really show their strengths whenever maximum productivity is
needed. The Topsetter 74 and 102 CTP systems, in both semiautomatic
and fully automatic versions, have been specifically designed for
large and mid-size printing operations looking to exploit their
full press capacities. And the Heidelberg name guarantees that a
decision for a Topsetter is a decision for quality.
The Topsetter 74 and 102 will be demonstrated at this year's
Drupa. They are slated to become available in the third quarter of
2000.
For further information:
Thomas Fichtl
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
Tel.: +49 (0)6221 92 47 47
E-mail:
thomas.fichtl@heidelberg.com